Walking the dog is one of my daily chores, or delights, depending on the weather. Turns out walking is just what the researchers recommend for multiple sclerosis patients. So what else can I do to help multiple sclerosis?
In addition to treatment medications, MS patients can increase their quality of life by:
- Walking 15-30 minutes 3-5 times per week reduces fatigue, depression and pain while increasing sleep quality, cognitive function and balance.
- Strength training twice a week can “increase bone health and improve bladder and bowel control.” (BLH)
- Salsa dancing 40 minutes twice a week can improve balance and gait.
- “Acupuncture has been found to help with MS symptoms such as bladder problems, sleep disorders and tingling.” (BLH)
- Massage twice a week increases physical/social functioning and “may also alleviate spasticity, cramping and pain,” (BLH) and decreases depression. Not recommended if a patient is taking corticosteroids.
- Tai Chi and Yoga can increase deep breathing, strength and balance while decreasing stress.
Read more about “Here’s the Latest Research on What Really Helps…” from Bottom Line Health (BLH) and Rob Motl, PhD at: http://blh.artilenttechnolo.netdna-cdn.com/new-thinking-on-ms/. Image from same site. Subscribe to the Free E-Letters at: http://bottomlinepersonal.com/free-e-letters/.
